Temporal Change in the Match Performance of Football Referees during Youth Top-level Matches: Influence of Match Technical-tactical Data in Same Matches

Abstract

This study aimed to examine temporal change in the physical demands with respect to a referee's running distance and speed, and heart rate (HR) during Japanese high-school (U-18) and university (U-22) football matches, and to investigate the match technical-tactical data. Additionally, we compared the physical demands and match performance of referees during the U-18 and U-22 matches. Physical performance (15 Hz global positioning system device) and HR of 20 Japanese referees (age, 26.3±3.4 years) were measured from 20 matches (one match dataset per referee). All matches were videôlmed to calculate the distance from a foul and match technical-tactical data (passes, shots, fouls, oŠense-defense turnovers, and penetrations into the attacking zone). We found that physical demands were temporarily increased in the last stage of a match. Some technical-tactical data similarly increased in the same stage, suggested that the referees during the U-18 and U-22 matches are required to move around each penalty area and keep up with play in the last stage of a match. Referees' physical demands and match performance were not diŠerent between the U-18 and U-22 matches.